Aquifier flow controlling valve assembly and method

ABSTRACT

A valve assembly for use in aquifer liquid flow control in accordance with one embodiment can be used to deliver liquid to and/or from at least one selected aquifer in a plural aquifer system. In accordance with an embodiment, the valve can be used to route liquid to or from a first aquifer without delivering liquid to or from a second aquifer, or to or from the second aquifer without delivering liquid to or from the first aquifer. As an aspect of an embodiment, the valve assembly can be used to shut off the flow of liquid to both the first and second aquifers.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent Ser. No. 12/815,324,entitled AQUIFER FLOW CONTROLLING VALVE ASSEMBLY AND METHOD, filed Jun.14, 2010, which application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/345,943, entitled “AQUIFER FLOW CONTROLLING VALVEASSEMBLY AND METHOD”, and filed May 18, 2010. Both of which applicationsare incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD

The technology described herein relates to valve assemblies and methodsdesirably used in controlling the flow of recharge liquid to at leastone aquifer, the recovery of liquid from at least one aquifer, and/or incontrolling both the flow of recharge liquid to and the recovery ofliquid from at least one aquifer. In a desirable form, a single valveassembly included in a well pipe or casing can control the flow ofliquid to and from a selected aquifer of a well that accesses at leasttwo aquifers.

BACKGROUND

Various types of recharge valves have been used in the past for deliveryof water to an aquifer for recharging the aquifer. However, these knowndevices suffer from a number of disadvantages.

For example, a need exists for a valve assembly that can be operated toselectively deliver liquid to and from first and second aquifers in aplural aquifer well environment. In addition, a need exists for animproved valve assembly and method for use in aquifer liquid flowcontrol.

SUMMARY

A valve assembly for use in aquifer liquid flow control in accordancewith one embodiment can be used to deliver liquid to or from at leastone selected aquifer in a plural aquifer system. In accordance with anembodiment, the valve can be used to route liquid to or from a firstaquifer without delivering liquid to or from a second aquifer, or to orfrom the second aquifer without delivering liquid to or from the firstaquifer. As an aspect of an embodiment, the valve assembly can be usedto shut off the flow of liquid to both the first and second aquifers.Related methods performed by such valve assemblies are also within thescope of this disclosure.

As an aspect of a number of embodiments, the valve assembly caneffectively seal the flow of liquid to an untargeted one of pluralaquifers in a cost-effective manner.

More than one valve assembly can be used to control access to additionalaquifers.

In one application of an embodiment of a valve assembly, liquid of afirst relative temperature can be routed to or from one aquifer andliquid of a second relative temperature can be routed to or from anotheraquifer. For example, liquid can be pumped from a first aquifer for usein providing heat to a heat exchanger. This results in cooling of theliquid. The now relatively cool liquid can be returned to a secondaquifer other than the first aquifer. Also, liquid from the secondaquifer can be used in a cooling or refrigeration application duringwhich the liquid is warmed, such as in a heat exchanger. This nowrelatively warm liquid can be returned to the first aquifer.

In accordance with an embodiment, a valve assembly for use in aquiferliquid flow control comprises: a pipe section comprising a wall with aninterior surface and an exterior surface and a liquid flow passagewaythrough the pipe section; at least one aperture [and desirably pluralapertures, which can be, for convenience, called housing aperture(s)]extending through the wall and communicating between a first portion ofthe liquid flow passageway and the exterior of the pipe section; atleast one bypass passageway communicating from the first portion of theliquid flow passageway to a second portion of the liquid flowpassageway; a first valve positioned within the interior of the pipesection and selectively movable from a first valve closed position inwhich the first valve overlies and blocks liquid flow through the atleast one housing aperture to a first valve open position in which thefirst valve no longer overlies the at least one housing aperture atleast in part such that liquid can flow through the at least one housingaperture to or from at least one aquifer when the valve assembly isinstalled in a well casing, wherein the first valve has flexibility suchthat when the first valve is in the first valve closed position and thevalve assembly is installed in a well casing, a head of water pressurewithin the pipe section can urge the valve outwardly against theoverlaid at least one housing aperture; a second valve positioned withinthe interior of the pipe section and selectively movable from a secondvalve open position to a second valve closed position; wherein in thesecond valve open position the second valve is positioned to at leastpartially open the bypass passageway such that liquid can flow throughthe liquid flow passageway through the pipe section with the liquidpassing through the first portion of the liquid flow passageway, throughthe bypass passageway and through the second portion of the liquid flowpassageway; wherein in the second valve closed position, the secondvalve closes the second portion of the liquid flow passageway to therebyblock liquid flow through the liquid flow passageway through the pipesection; and a valve actuator coupled to the first valve and operable toselectively move the first valve between the first valve closed positionand first valve open position, the valve actuator also being coupled tothe second valve and operable to selectively move the second valvebetween the second valve open position and the second valve closedposition. In this embodiment, the second valve can be in the secondvalve open position at least during a portion of the time that the firstvalve is in the first valve closed position such that liquid can flowthrough the first portion of the liquid flow passageway, the bypasspassageway and the second portion of the liquid flow passageway to orfrom at least one aquifer when the valve assembly is installed in a wellcasing without flowing through the at least one housing aperture toanother aquifer. In addition, the second value can be in the secondvalve closed position during at least a portion of the time that thefirst valve is in the first valve open position such that, when thevalve assembly is installed in a well casing, the second valve blocksliquid flow through the second portion of the liquid passageway to orfrom said at least one aquifer and liquid is allowed to flow through theat least one housing aperture to or from said another aquifer.

The valve assembly embodiment can be combined with or installed into ina well bore hole accessing at least first and second aquifers with wellpipe being connected to the valve assembly both above and below thevalve assembly. Bore packing can be positioned in the bore hole so as toblock the flow of liquid in the bore hole outside of the well pipe andvalve assembly and between the first and second aquifers. At least onehousing aperture communicates through the pipe section and bore hole toone of the first and second aquifers when a first valve is in a firstvalve open position. A bypass passageway communicates through the secondportion of the liquid passageway and through the bore hole to another ofthe first and second aquifers other than said one of the first andsecond aquifers when the second valve is in a second valve openposition. By selectively controlling the first and second valves, liquidcan be directed to or from either of the first and second aquifers.

In accordance with another aspect of an embodiment, a first valve can beselectively moved or movable to a first valve shut off position in whichthe first valve overlies and blocks the flow of liquid through at leastone housing aperture. In addition, a second valve can be selectivelymoved or movable to a second valve shut off position in which the secondvalve closes a bypass passageway and blocks liquid flow through thevalve. The valve actuator can be operable to move the second valve tothe second valve shut off position during at least a portion of the timethe first valve is in the first valve shut off position. As a result,when the valve is installed in a well casing and the first and secondvalves are in their respective shut off positions, liquid does not flowthrough the valve or through the at least one housing aperture.

As another aspect of an embodiment, the first valve closed position andthe first valve shut off position are at different valve positions inthe valve pipe section from one another. Also, in an embodiment, thesecond valve closed position and the second valve shut off position areat different positions from one another in the valve pipe section.

As a further aspect of an embodiment, the second valve can be coupled tothe first valve for movement with the movement of the first valve and avalve actuator can comprise a common actuator for moving both the firstand second valves simultaneously.

As another aspect of an embodiment, a first valve can comprise anannular valve body comprising a polymer material with a valve exteriorsurface and a valve interior surface, the valve body allowing liquid toflow through the valve body and through the first portion of the liquidflow passageway. In addition, the first valve can be moved between afirst valve closed position in which the valve exterior surface overliesa portion of the interior surface of the wall of the valve housing pipesection and entirely overlies the at least one aperture and a firstvalve open position in which the valve exterior surface of the valvebody no longer entirely overlies the at least one aperture. In addition,the second valve can comprise a plug. As a more specific example, thefirst valve can comprise a seamless valve cylinder of a polymer materialwith an exterior surface that is sized to slide along the interior ofthe valve housing pipe section.

In accordance with an embodiment, a first valve can comprise a hollowright cylindrical valve having an interior wall with an inner walldiameter and first and second end portions. A first ring can bepositioned adjacent or abutting the first end portion and a second ringcan be positioned adjacent to or abutting the second end portion. Thefirst ring can have an inner ring diameter that is less than the innerwall diameter with an interior periphery portion of the first ringextending inwardly of the interior wall of the first valve. A supportcan be mounted to the interior periphery portion of the first ring,extending away from the first ring and through the interior of the firstvalve, and terminating in a distal end support portion. The plug can bemounted to the distal end support portion. As a more specific aspect ofan embodiment, a plurality of pushrods can be coupled to the first ringand can extend from the first ring toward a first piston. The push rodscan also be coupled to the second ring and can extend from the secondring toward the second piston.

As a further aspect of an embodiment, the valve assembly can comprise aninternal projection, such as a conduit section coupled to a valve pipesection. The conduit section can comprise a first conduit end portionand a second conduit end portion with at least a portion of a secondportion of a liquid flow passageway through the valve pipe sectioncommunicating between the first and second conduit end portions. Theconduit section can also comprise a conduit wall with an interiorsurface and an exterior surface. A bypass passageway can comprise atleast one conduit bypass aperture through the conduit wall thatcommunicates between a first portion of the liquid passageway throughthe valve pipe section and the second portion of the liquid passageway.In addition, a plug can be selectively moved or movable from a secondvalve open position wherein the plug blocks the first conduit endportion while permitting the flow of liquid through the first portion ofthe liquid passageway. In this state, liquid can flow through the atleast one conduit bypass aperture and the second portion of the liquidpassageway and thereby through the pipe section at least during aportion of the time that a first valve is in a first valve closedposition to block the flow of liquid through at least one housingaperture through the pipe section. The plug can also be selectivelymoved or moveable to a second valve closed position wherein the plug ispositioned to block liquid flow through the second portion of the liquidpassageway and also to block the flow of liquid through the at least oneconduit bypass aperture at least during a portion of the time that thefirst valve is in the first valve open position such that liquid canflow through the at least one housing aperture between the interior andexterior of the pipe section without flowing through the second portionof the liquid flow passageway and thereby through the valve.

In accordance with another aspect of an embodiment, a first valve can beselectively moved or movable to a first valve shut off position in whichthe exterior surface of the valve body overlies a portion of theinterior surface of a valve housing wall and entirely overlies at leastone housing aperture to block the flow of liquid through the at leastone aperture. Also, a plug can be selectively moved or movable to asecond valve shut off position in which the plug blocks the flow ofliquid through a second portion of a liquid flow passageway through thevalve at least during a portion of the time that the first valve is inthe first valve shut off position. With both the first and second valvesin their respective shut off positions, the valve prevents the flow ofliquid both through the liquid flow passageway and through the at leastone housing aperture.

In accordance with a further aspect of an embodiment, the valve assemblycan comprise a projection such as a conduit section coupled to a pipesection that comprises a housing for the valve assembly. The pipesection can define a liquid flow passageway therethrough. The conduitsection can comprise a first conduit end portion and a second conduitend portion with at least a portion of the liquid flow passagewaycommunicating between the first and second conduit end portions. Theconduit section can also comprise a conduit wall with an interiorsurface and an exterior surface. A bypass passageway can comprise aliquid flow path past a valve member, such as a plug, and into the firstconduit end portion at least when the plug is positioned outside of theconduit section. The plug can be selectively moved or movable to asecond valve open position wherein the plug is positioned exteriorly ofthe conduit section such that liquid can flow past the plug and into thefirst end portion of the conduit section and through the valve assembly.The plug can be in the second valve open position at least during aportion of the time that a first valve is in a first valve closedposition wherein the first valve blocks at least one housing aperturebetween the exterior and interior of the pipe section. The plug can bemoved or movable to a second valve closed position wherein the plug isinserted at least partially into the first end portion of the conduitsection to block liquid flow through the bypass passageway and throughthe conduit section. The plug can be in the second valve closed positionat least during a portion of the time that the first valve is in a firstvalve open position wherein the first valve no longer entirely overlaysthe at least one housing aperture such that liquid can flow through theat least one aperture between the interior and exterior of the pipesection without flowing through the conduit section and thereby throughthe valve assembly.

As another aspect of an embodiment, a first valve can be selectivelymoved or movable to a first valve shut off position in which theexterior surface of the valve body overlies a portion of the interiorsurface of the wall and entirely overlies the at least one aperture toblock the flow of liquid through the at least one aperture. A plug canbe selectively moved or movable to a second valve shut off position inwhich the plug is inserted into the first end portion of the conduitsection so as to block the flow of liquid through the bypass passagewayand through the second portion of the liquid flow passageway at leastduring a portion of the time that the first valve is in the first valveshut off position, whereby the flow of liquid is blocked through thevalve and also through the at least one housing aperture.

As a further aspect of an embodiment, a valve actuator can be coupleddirectly or indirectly to a first valve and operable to move the firstvalve between a first valve closed position and a first valve openposition. The valve actuator can comprise first and second hydraulicpistons coupled to the first valve, a first hydraulic liquid chamberassociated with the first piston and a second hydraulic liquid chamberassociated with the second piston. One of the first and second pistonsis movable in a direction to urge the first valve toward said firstvalve closed position upon delivery of hydraulic liquid to the hydraulicliquid chamber associated with said one of the first and second pistons.In addition, the other of the first and second pistons is movable in adirection to urge the first valve toward the first valve open positionupon delivery of hydraulic liquid to the hydraulic liquid chamberassociated with the said other of the first and second pistons. A secondvalve can be coupled directly or indirectly to the first valve such thatthe valve actuator moves the second valve to a second valve openposition with the movement of the first valve to the first valve closedposition and such that the valve actuator moves the second valve to asecond valve closed position with the movement of the first valve to thefirst valve open position. The second valve can comprise a plug coupledby a valve support to the first valve to thereby couple the first andsecond valves together for simultaneous movement between valvepositions.

As yet another embodiment, a valve assembly for use in aquifer liquidflow control comprises: housing means for defining a liquid passagewayfor the passage of liquid therethrough and for defining at least oneaperture for communicating from the liquid passageway to the exterior ofthe housing means; and valve means for selectively blocking the flow ofliquid through the at least one aperture while permitting the flow ofliquid through the liquid passageway and for selectively blocking theflow of liquid through the liquid passageway while allowing the flow ofliquid through the at least one aperture.

As a further aspect, a valve assembly can be included as a section in awell pipe positioned in a well bore, the well pipe extending below afirst aquifer and a second aquifer being positioned below the firstaquifer, the well bore being provided with packing to block the passageof liquid in the well bore outside of the well pipe between the firstand second aquifers. The valve assembly can comprise: means forselectively opening at least one aperture communicating with the firstaquifer and for closing an opening communicating with the secondaquifer; and means for closing the at least one aperture communicatingwith the first aquifer and for opening the opening communicating withthe second aquifer.

As yet another aspect of an embodiment, an aquifer flow control methodcomprises: placing a valve assembly in a section of well pipe positionedin a well bore, the well bore passing through a first aquifer and atleast to a second aquifer and the well pipe extending at least below thefirst aquifer; blocking the flow of liquid between the well pipe andwell bore at a location of the well bore between the first and secondaquifers; permitting liquid flow through at least one housing aperturefrom the interior of the valve assembly to one of the first and secondaquifers or through the at least one housing aperture from one of thefirst and second aquifers to the interior of the valve assembly with theflow of liquid to the other of the first and second aquifers beingblocked; and permitting liquid flow through the valve assembly to one ofthe first and second aquifers or from one of the first and secondaquifers through the valve assembly with the at least one housingaperture being blocked so that liquid flowing through the valve assemblydoes not flow through the at least one housing aperture.

As a further aspect, the method can include the act of permitting theflow of relatively high temperature liquid to and from one of first andsecond aquifers and permitting the flow of relatively low temperatureliquid to and from the other of the first and second aquifers, wherebythe relatively high temperature liquid can be used for heat generationpurposes when delivered from said one of the first and second aquifersand for storing heat when delivered to said one of the first and secondaquifers, and whereby the relatively low temperature liquid can be usedfor cooling purposes when delivered from the other of the first andsecond aquifers and can be used for storing relatively low temperatureliquid when delivered to the other of the first and second aquifers.

The method can also comprise other acts, such as the act of selectivelyblocking the flow of liquid through the valve assembly and through thefirst aperture.

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of embodimentswill become more apparent from the following detailed description, whichproceeds with reference to the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of an embodiment of a valve assemblyin accordance with this disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the valve assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view through a pipe section or housingincluded in the valve assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one form of projection, in this case aconduit section with apertures at an upper end portion thereof, forinclusion in the valve assembly as explained below while providing aliquid flow passageway through the conduit section.

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view, partially in section, of one form ofpiston that can be used in an actuator for shifting one or more valvesof the valve assembly.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the piston of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a vertical sectional view of a portion of the housing of FIG.4, with a portion of the conduit of FIG. 5, with the piston of FIG. 6shown positioned between the housing and conduit, and with a portion ofa lower value shown in dashed lines for convenience.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of one form of valve useable in the valveassembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a vertical sectional view of an embodiment of a valveassembly showing a first valve member, such as a first valve in positionto block the flow of liquid through a plurality of housing aperturesoverlaid by the first valve. FIG. 10 also shows a second valve member,such a second valve in the form of a plug shown positioned to allow theflow of liquid through bypass apertures in a conduit section and therebythrough the valve.

FIG. 11 is a vertical sectional view like that of FIG. 10 except showinga first valve in a position to allow the flow of liquid through housingapertures no longer overlaid by the first valve and with a plug shown ina position to block the flow of liquid through the conduit section andthereby to block the flow of liquid through the valve.

FIG. 12 is a vertical sectional view through an embodiment of a valveassembly like that of FIG. 10, with the first valve and second valvebeing positioned to respectively block the flow of liquid throughhousing apertures in the valve and through the conduit section.

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a valve assembly inaccordance with the disclosure.

FIG. 14 is similar to FIG. 10 and illustrates the flow of liquid throughhousing apertures of the valve assembly with the conduit section blockedand also showing packing positioned at one location in a well bore toisolate an upper aquifer into which liquid is shown flowing in FIG. 14from a lower aquifer to which no liquid flows when the first and secondvalves are in the position shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 15 is similar to FIG. 14 except that the housing apertures areshown blocked to prevent liquid flow into the upper aquifer while liquidflow into the conduit section and to the lower aquifer is permitted.

FIG. 16 is similar to FIG. 15 except that fluid flow is blocked throughboth the housing apertures and conduit section.

FIGS. 17-19 are like FIGS. 14-16 except that the bypass apertures in anupper portion of the conduit section have been eliminated to provide analternative form of bypass passageway around or past a second valve (seeFIG. 18) when the second valve is in an open position.

FIGS. 20-23 illustrate an application of an embodiment of a valveassembly in accordance with this disclosure to deliver liquid of a firstrelative temperature to or from a first aquifer and liquid of a secondrelative temperature to or from a different aquifer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The description proceeds with reference to several exemplaryembodiments. The present invention is directed toward novel andnon-obvious features and methods acts disclosed herein both alone and invarious combinations and subcombinations with one another as set forthin the claims.

FIG. 1 illustrates a valve assembly 8 comprising a pipe section 10 thatcan be included in a pump column of a well. For example, pipe section 10can be a six-inch inside diameter steel pipe having threads 12, 14 atits opposite ends for coupling to associated pipe components, such as towell casing sections above and below the valve assembly. The pipesection 10 includes at least one aquifer communication aperture oroutlet through which liquid (e.g. water) can pass to and/or from anaquifer when the valve assembly is installed in a well. Desirably, aplurality of aquifer communicating apertures are provided through thepipe section wall at spaced locations about the circumference of pipesection 10. In FIG. 1, the aquifer communication housing apertures arearranged in a spiral pattern along a portion 16 of pipe section 10 withsome of these apertures being indicated at 18 in FIGS. 1 and 2. The pipesection 10 can be of any suitable length and, in FIGS. 1 and 2, is shownas a four foot long pipe section

In the FIGS. 1 and 2 example, the aquifer communication apertures 18 areshown intermediate the respective ends of the pipe section 10 and aboutone-third of the distance from the upper end of the pipe section-towardthe lower end of the pipe section. It should be understood that thevalve assembly disclosed herein can be installed in other orientationsother than vertical and can, for example, be inverted.

It should be noted that at least one such aperture 18 is provided.However, it is more desirable to include a plurality of apertures spacedabout the circumference of pipe section 10. This approach dispersesliquid being used to re-charge an aquifer, or being drawn from anaquifer, through a plurality of openings and reduces the mining of theaquifer that could otherwise take place by a high volume of waterpassing through one or only a few apertures. The size and number ofapertures can be varied for a particular application. That is, for agiven head pressure during recharging of a well, for example, and adesirable flow rate of recharge water into an aquifer, one can determinethe number and size of apertures that are desirable. In the illustratedembodiment, 40 openings are provided which are each 0.25 inch indiameter. These openings can be arranged in various arrangements orpatterns, and can be arranged in a spiral pattern as shown in FIGS. 1and 2, as opposed to being in respective rings with each ring being atthe same elevation. As a result, the integrity and strength of the pipesection 10 is increased. Although less desirable, the openings can bearranged in rings or other arrangements (this is also true of theconduit bypass openings discussed below in one embodiment). In addition,as a valve member is moved upwardly or downwardly with a spiralarrangement of housing apertures, the change in exposed apertures isalmost linear. This facilitates the control of the flow rate duringaquifer recharge and withdrawal operations. These apertures can haverounded edges at the interior side of the pipe section to facilitate thesmoother flow of water through the apertures during an aquifer rechargeoperation. In addition, the apertures can have rounded edges at theexterior side of the pipe section as well. The use of rounded, beveledor otherwise smoothed apertures reduces the possibility of apertureboundaries scratching a valve as it moves or is slid past the aperturesas explained below.

The valve assembly 8 of FIGS. 1 and 2 can use a valve such as explainedbelow. The operation of the valve assembly can be controlled in themanner of the valve of U.S. Pat. No. 6,811,353 and U.S. Pat. No.7,156,578. U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,811,353 and 7,156,578 are incorporatedherein in their entireties.

The illustrated valve assembly 8 comprises first and second end members,such as comprising end caps 40, 42 respectively inserted into the topand bottom of the pipe section 10 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. These endcap portions can be replaced with other configurations, such asprojections and/or conduit sections positioned within the interior ofthe pipe section 10. Exemplary end cap portions 40, 42 are described ingreater detail below and can be identical to one another. However, inone embodiment, end cap 42 is provided with at least one bypass opening,and desirably a plurality of such openings, some of which are indicatedat number 44 in FIG. 5. In FIG. 5, the openings 44 are adjacent to thedistal end 48 of the end cap portion 42. A base portion 50, opposite todistal end 48, is provided with threads in this embodiment such that endcap 42 can be threaded into threads 56 (FIG. 4) at the base end 58 ofpipe section 10. A liquid flow passageway 60 extends through end capportion 52 from the distal end to the base end with a portion of thispassageway being defined by an annular conduit section or portion 62projecting away from base 52. Conduit portion 62 comprises a wallpenetrated by the openings or bypass passageways 44 that extend from theinterior to the exterior of conduit 62 in this example. The openings 44can be sized and arranged in the same manner as the openings 18. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 5, the portion of conduit 62 below the openings44 is opening free.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 4, a first coupler 74, mounted to theexterior of housing 10, defines an internal passageway 75 (FIG. 4)communicating with an interior portion 77 of housing 10 through acorresponding port or passageway 76 through the housing wall. Ahydraulic line fitting 78 (FIGS. 1 and 2) can be secured to coupling 74,such as being threaded into a threaded fitting receiving portion of thecoupling. A hydraulic line 43, shown schematically in FIG. 1, can beconnected to fitting 78 when the valve assembly is in use. Line 43 canbe used for delivering hydraulic fluid to, and receiving such fluidfrom, the valve assembly for use in operating a piston (as describedbelow) to adjust valve positions. Typically, food grade hydraulic fluidis used in operating the valve assembly so as to protect the watersupply in the event the hydraulic fluid leaks from the system. Althoughalternative hydraulic lines can be used, hydraulic lines for operatingthe pistons can, for example, be 0.25 inch diameter stainless steeltubing. A tapered deflector 80 can be positioned at the underside offitting 74 (and can, for example, be a part of fitting 74). Thedeflector 80 deflects the valve assembly away from obstructions as thevalve assembly and well pipe containing the assembly is lowered into awell. Deflector 80 also shields the coupling 74.

In addition, in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, a second coupler 82defines a hollow interior passageway 83 (FIG. 4) communicating through aport 84 and with an interior portion 85 of a housing or pipe section 10.Coupler 82 can be internally threaded so as to receive a hydraulic linefitting 86 (FIGS. 1 and 2) and the lower end of a hydraulic line section88. The upper end of line section 88 terminates in a hydraulic fitting90 that can be coupled to a hydraulic line, such as to a line shownschematically as line 91, when the valve assembly is in use. Line 91 canbe used to deliver hydraulic fluid to and from the interior portion 85(FIG. 4) of the housing to operate a valve actuating piston as explainedbelow. A tapered shield or deflector 92 can be positioned below coupler82 for functioning in the same manner as the deflector 80 describedabove. The ports 76, 84 that communicate through respective openings 75,83 of the respective couplings 84, 82, are desirably offset from oneanother (see FIG. 1) so that fittings 78, 90 clear one another at theupper end of the illustrated valve assembly.

Again, it should be noted that the valve assembly 8 can be used in otherorientations, such as inverted from the orientation shown in FIGS. 1 and2. In such a case, the couplers 74 and 82 can also be inverted.

The respective end caps 40, 42 can be inserted into the respective endsof pipe section 10 and desirably are threaded into the pipe section. Inaddition, retainers, such as set screws 100, 102 (FIG. 2) can be used toengage the respective end caps 40, 42 to prevent them from separatingfrom the pipe section 10 during use. The illustrated set screws 100, 102are each threaded through a respective set screw receiving opening ofpipe section 10 and into engagement with the associated one of therespective end caps.

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, end cap 40 can be identical to end cap42 although typically no bypass openings 44 are provided in end cap 40.As explained below in connection with an alternative embodiment, theopenings 44 can also be eliminated from end cap 42. Also, the conduitportion 62 of end cap 42 can be elongated in the axial direction incomparison to the length of a corresponding conduit portion (not shown)of end cap 40 so as to provide an aperture free area (below apertures 44in FIG. 5) along which a piston can slide. If a piston were to slideover apertures 44, although this construction can be used, the apertures44 can scratch or mar the piston and interfere with its sealingproperties.

Because of the similarity between end caps 40 and 42 in this embodiment,only end cap 42 will be described in detail. End cap 42 is desirably ofannular construction with a body 110 (FIG. 5) provided with alongitudinally and axially extending liquid or water flow opening 60 orliquid passageway as previously mentioned. The opening 60 can becircular in cross-section and can have a diameter that is varieddepending on factors such as the diameter of the well pipe within whichthe valve assembly is to be used. However, the outer diameter of conduitportion 62, in one embodiment is less than the diameter D1 of housing 10(see FIG. 4) such that liquid can flow between an interior wall 141 ofthe housing 10 and the exterior wall 143 (FIG. 5) of the conduit portion62 as explained below. As a specific example, in a valve for use with 6inch outside diameter well pipe, that has an approximately 5 inch insidediameter, end cap openings 60 can have a diameter of about 2.8 inches,as a specific example with the outer diameter of the conduit portion 62being about 3.8 inches in one example. As another example, a valveassembly for 8 inch well pipe can have end caps with respectivelongitudinally extending openings that are about 4 inches in diameter.Also, a valve assembly for a 10 inch well pipe can have end caps withcenter openings of 6 inches in diameter. Again, these dimensions can bevaried. The length of the valve assembly can be relatively short. Forexample, the length L in FIG. 4 can be about 48 inches. Because of theshortness of the valve assembly of the illustrated embodiment, even witha somewhat restricted opening 60, little pressure loss occurs across thevalve assembly as water flows through the valve assembly.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, end cap 40 is provided with first andsecond blind holes 114, 116 that are diametrically located across theend cap body 109 and are exposed at the surface of the body of the endcap 40. A tool, such as a wrench having projecting pegs positioned forinsertion into the respective openings 114, 116, can be used to tightenthe valve end cap 40 within the end of pipe section 10 and also toremove the end cap, as desired. End cap 42 can be similarly constructedwith blind holes.

With reference to FIG. 4, one form of pipe section 10 for a valveassembly of FIGS. 1 and 2 is illustrated. The illustrated pipe sectionhas exterior threads 12, 14 at the respective ends of the pipe sectionfor coupling, for example, to other lengths of well pipe or casing whenthe valve assembly is installed for use. The upper end portion of pipesection 10 has internal threads 55 for threadedly receiving externalthreads 128 (FIG. 10) on the body of end cap 40 for use in threadedlyinterconnecting these members. In the same manner, the internal threads56 (FIG. 4) of the pipe section 10 threadedly receive the threadedportion 52 (FIG. 5) of the end cap 42. Interiorly (meaning toward thecenter of pipe section 10) of threads 52, end cap 52 comprises anannular tapered wall or shoulder section 129 of a diameter that isreduced in a direction extending inwardly into the interior of the pipesection. Shoulder section 129 can engage a corresponding shoulder 130(FIG. 4) of pipe section 10 to limit the extent of insertion of the endcap member 42 into the pipe section. Similar features can also beprovided in end cap 40 and at the end cap receiving portion of pipesection 10 that receives cap member 40. When cap member 42 is threadedinto the pipe section 10 and shoulder 129 bottoms out against wallsection 130, the position of cap member 42 is at a known establishedlocation within the valve assembly. A similar tapered annular shelf 131(FIG. 4) is provided at the upper end of the pipe section 10.

Referring again to FIG. 4, a first wall section 134 is positionedinwardly of an upper tapered section 131. Wall section 134 is of a firstcross-sectional dimension and, in this example, comprises a rightcylinder having a diameter D1. The dimension D1 can be varied dependingon the size of the valve assembly, such as with the diameter of the wellpipe with which the valve assembly is to be used. Although variable, fora pipe section 10 having a 6 inch outside diameter, dimension D1 can be,for example, about 5.4 inches. A portion of the wall surface 134 in thisembodiment desirably defines a portion of a hydraulic chamber 135 (seeFIGS. 10, 11) as explained below. The valve assembly desirably includesa piston stop operable to limit the motion of one or more pistons withinthe valve assembly. Although various forms of a stop (e.g., projections)can be used, in one specific example, the piston stop comprises a shelf136 of an annular configuration that is formed in the interior surfaceof pipe section 10 at an inward end of wall section 134. A valve guidingwall section 142 is provided of a second cross-sectional dimension. Inthis example, wall section 142 is a right cylinder with a diameter D2,is positioned inwardly of shelf 136. As explained below in connectionwith one embodiment, a valve member, such as a first valve member, canslide along wall section 142 to respectively open and close the openings18 through the pipe section 10 depending upon whether, and to the extentthat, the first valve member overlies the openings 18.

As can be seen in FIG. 4, in the orientation shown, a lower portion ofwall section 142 is provided without the openings 18. When a first valvemember is moved to a position adjacent the lower portion of the wallsection 142, the valve desirably does not impede the flow of waterthrough the openings 18. Conversely, as the valve is shifted upwardly inFIG. 4 to a position which overlies some or all of the openings 18 (allof them desirably being overlaid when the valve is in its uppermost ormost closed position), the flow of liquid through openings 18 is impededor blocked. The extent of such blockage depends upon the valve position.The term closed or blocked does not mean total sealing of the housingopenings as some leakage can take place, but desirably the first valvesubstantially totally or totally seals the housing openings when closed.The diameter D2 can also be varied. In one specific example, thediameter D2 is 5 inches for a 6 inch outside diameter pipe section 10.The lower portion of pipe section 10 in the illustrated embodiment alsocomprises a wall section 141 positioned inwardly of annular tapered wallsection 130. Wall section 141 can also be a right cylinder and desirablydefines a portion of a hydraulic chamber 137 (FIGS. 10 and 11) in thisspecific example. Wall section 141 can have the same diameter D1 as wallsection 134. The inward most end of wall section 141 can terminate in anannular piston stop 146 that can be like stop 136. Other forms of apiston stop can be used in the lower portion of the pipe section.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of an exemplary lower end cap 42. Cap42 comprises external threads 52 for threading into the threads 56 (FIG.4) of the pipe section 10. An annular tapered shoulder section 129 ofend cap body 110 is provided to engage annular wall surface 130 of pipesection 10 when these components are assembled. The body 110 of end cap42 can also comprise a cylindrical wall portion 148 having an outsidecross-sectional dimension, such as a diameter, that desirablycorresponds to and is slightly less than the diameter D1. The spacebetween end cap wall portion 148 and wall section 141 desirably istightly sealed when the end cap 42 is in place. For example, wallsection 148 can be provided with at least one inwardly extending sealreceiving groove 150 within which a seal, such as an o-ring 152, can beplaced. The o-ring 152 seals the base of the valve assembly andhydraulic chamber 137 (FIGS. 10, 11) at this location.

The body 110 desirably has a wall portion or section 154 that is of areduced cross-sectional dimension at a location adjacent to wall section148. The wall section 154 is positioned further inwardly into pipesection 10 than the wall section 148. As a result, an annular passageway157 (FIGS. 10, 11) is provided to facilitate the flow of hydraulic fluidthrough opening 84 and into the hydraulic fluid receiving chamber 137 asdescribed below. Body 110 can also include an annular shelf or pistonstop surface 155 operable to limit the movement of a piston in thedirection toward the adjacent end 14 of the pipe section 10. Other formsof a piston stop can also be used. Body 110 also comprises, in thisembodiment, a piston guide such as cylindrical piston engaging wallsection 143 that corresponds to the exterior surface of conduits sectionor portion 62 in the case of a right cylindrical conduit section 62. Theliquid flow passageway 60 in this example extends axially throughconduit section 62 and through the other portions of body 110 to theexterior of end cap 42. The passageway 60 in this example is bounded byan interior wall surface 145. The conduit section wall surface 143comprises one form of an annular piston guiding surface along which apiston can be shifted. The wall surface 143 also desirably defines aportion of the hydraulic chamber 137. Other portions of the chamber 137are defined, in this example, by sections 154, 155 of the end cap 42,and by a portion of the wall section 141. This will become more apparentfrom the discussion below.

With reference to FIG. 3, the liquid flow opening 160, in thisembodiment, extends axially through the upper cap member 40. Inaddition, one form of a valve support 180, such as a support bracket isvisible in FIG. 3. Valve support 180 supports a valve member 190operable as explained below to selectively block the flow of liquidthrough passageway 60 to thereby prevent the flow of liquid through thepipe section 10 and the valve assembly.

An exemplary form of valve member 190, in the form of a plug, and of thesupport 180, are shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. In addition, an exemplaryform of a valve 170 that is selectively operable or positionable toclose the apertures 18 is also shown in FIGS. 10 and 11.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate a vertical sectional view through a portionof pipe section 10 containing an exemplary aquifer valve in accordancewith one embodiment. The illustrated valve comprises first and secondvalve members or portions 170, 190. These valve portions can beseparately and independently operable by respective actuators to variousclosed and open positions using a separate actuator for each valvemember. For example, hydraulic pistons or cylinders can be used for thispurpose. Electrically controlled actuators can also be used. However, inthe illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 10 and 11, the valve members 170,190 are coupled together, in this case directly connected together, bysupport 180 so that they move simultaneously and together betweenselected valve positions as explained below.

With reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, the illustrated embodiment (in theorientation shown) comprises an upper or first valve member 170positioned within the interior of pipe section 10 and moveable between afirst closed position (shown in FIG. 10) in which the valve member 170overlies and closes or seals the apertures 18 to a second open positionin which the valve member 170 does not entirely overlie the aperturesand more desirably clears all of the apertures such that liquid can flowthrough the apertures without interference by the valve member 170. Anexample of an open position of valve member 170 is shown in FIG. 11. Inthe orientation shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, valve member 170 is moved froma closed position downwardly to the open position. If the assembly isinverted, this direction of motion can be reversed. The valve member 170is configured in this embodiment to allow liquid to flow through thevalve member, in this case through an interior passageway 192 throughthe valve member. Thus, the valve member 170 can be annular in shape,with a right cylindrical configuration being a desirable form of valvemember. As can be seen in FIG. 10, when valve member 170 is in theclosed position, a liquid flow passageway exists through a firstpassageway portion comprising an interior portion 194 of cap member 40,through a portion 196 of the valve member 170, and into a portion of thepassageway 198 located below the valve member. Passageway portions 194,196, and 198 can be deemed one portion of a fluid flow passagewaythrough the valve assembly. In addition, a passageway portion 200 isdefined by conduit section 62 of end cap 42 that can be deemed a secondpassageway portion. Passageway portion 200 can communicate via anopening 202 with a pipe section coupled to the lower end of pipe section10. Similarly, an opening 201 through end cap 40 can communicate frompassageway portion 194 to a pipe section connected to the upper end ofpipe section 10.

As can be seen in FIG. 10, when valve section 170 is in the closedposition, lower valve portion 190 is positioned above at least one, anddesirably a plurality of or all of the apertures 44. Consequently,passageway portion 198 communicates through apertures 44 with passagewayportion 200 with openings 44 thereby providing a bypass passageway.Consequently, valve member 190, which can be in the form of a plugshaped to mate with conduit section 200 and close or seal the conduitsection 200 when valve member 190 is inserted further into the conduitsection, is in an open position. When valve member 190 is in an openposition, liquid can pass between passageways 198, 200 through openings44. Thus liquid can flow through the pipe section 10, between openings201, 202 and through the valve assembly. Simultaneously, because valvemember 170 is in a closed position, liquid flow through apertures 18 isblocked.

In comparison, when valve member 170 has been shifted to the openposition shown in FIG. 11, the valve member 190 is inserted sufficientlyinto conduit 62 so as to block the flow of liquid through passagewayportion 200 to the opening 202. As a result, when in this position,liquid can flow through apertures 18 in either direction (recharge orwithdrawal) to and/or from passageway portion 198. Also, in theembodiment of the valve assembly of FIGS. 10-12, the valve can be movedto a shut-off position wherein the first valve member 170 overlays andcloses the apertures 18 and the second valve member, in this case plug190, is positioned to close the openings 44 and to also close thepassageway 200. As a result, liquid does not flow either through thevalve assembly or from the valve assembly to or from the apertures 18.

Desirably in one form, the valve member 170 comprises a tube having anoutside diameter which is sized slightly less than the inside diameterof portion 142 of pipe section 10. For example, if pipe section 10 hasan inside diameter of six inches, the outside diameter of valve member170 can be 5 and 15/16 inches. In addition, valve member 170 can be of amaterial with some flexibility such that when the valve is positioned tooverlie apertures 18, the water pressure within pipe section 10 wheninstalled (the head in the pump column) forces the valve outwardly toprovide a good seal or closure of openings 18 against leakage. Becausevalve member 170 is positioned inside pipe section 10 in this example,the water pressure in the pipe column assists in maintaining the valvein a closed position as water is being pumped from or delivered to thewell when valve member 170 is in the closed position. Valve member 170can be of any suitable material. As a desirable example, valve member170 can be of a polymer material and can be formed, as by machining orotherwise as a seamless cylinder. In addition, the valve member 170 canbe of a variable length, such as from nine inches to one foot long. As aspecific example, valve member 170 can have a one-half inch thick walland be formed of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene so that it hassome resiliency to assist in accomplishing the seal. This material alsoslides easily against the interior wall surface 142 of the pipe section10. The valve member 170 is not limited to this specific material. Otherexamples of suitable valve materials include: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC);HDPE (high density polyethylene); Nylon (Zytel); or any other semi-rigidor resilient material. Multi-material components can also be used.

As an alternative structure, the first valve member 170 can comprise arigid material with, for example, o-ring or other seals positioned aboveand below the apertures 18 to seal the apertures when the valve 170 isin the closed position. Although less desirable, the valve 170 cancomprise an annular valve positioned exteriorly of the housing wallthrough which the one or more apertures 18 are provided. The valve 170can be other than annular (for example arcuate sealing strips that covercolumns or rows of apertures when the valve 170 is closed.

Although other configurations of valve member 190 can be used, such as avalve member with a controllable valve shiftable between open and closedpositions or an inserted cap shaped valve that has a wall sliding alongthe exterior of conduit section 62, a simplified desirable form of valvemember 190 comprises a plug. As can be seen in FIGS. 10 and 11, plug 190can be configured to mate with and seal the interior surface ofpassageway 200 within conduit 62. Consequently, if the passageway 200 isof circular cross-section, plug 190 can be, for example, of rightcylindrical construction. The illustrated plug 190 can have a chamferedlower peripheral edge portion 210 to facilitate its movement withinpassageway 200. In addition, plug 190 can include an axially extendingopening through which a distal end portion 212 of a support 180 canextend. The lower most end of projection 212 can be threaded forreceiving a fastener, such as a self locking nut 214 with a washer 217interposed between the nut and lower end of the plug 190, for securingthe plug onto the support. In addition, a stop such as a plate 216 of across-sectional dimension less than a cross-sectional dimension of theupper end of plug 190 can be secured, as by welding, to the supportportion 212. Plate 216 thus provides a backing for the upper end of plug190 when fastener 216 is tightened. A first or upper ring 220, such asof stainless steel, is positioned to overlay, and in this example abut,the upper end of valve member 170. A similar ring 222 is positionedadjacent to, and in this example abutting, the lower end of valve member170. Ring 220 can have an inner cross-sectional dimension, such as adiameter that is less than the inner diameter of valve member 170 suchthat an annular lip 226 extends inwardly into passageway portion 196 atthe upper end of the valve member 170. Lip 226 provides a fasteninglocation for a portion of the support 180. Alternative, ring 220 can beprovided with projecting mounts for this purpose. Various forms ofsupports can be utilized to couple valve member 190 to valve member 170in embodiments where these elements are moved together. One exemplarysupport 180 comprises a plurality of bracket straps (see FIGS. 3, 9 and10), such as three such straps 230, 232, 234 spaced 120 degrees apartabout the lip 226, that are secured, such as by fasteners or welding tothe lip. The bracket straps 230, 232, and 234 converge toward oneanother and are connected to an upper end portion 238 (FIG. 10) of asupport member 212 for valve member 190. Valves 170, 190 can be moved byany appropriate valve actuator between the respective open, closed and(if available in the embodiment) shut-off positions. For example, valvemember 170 can be positioned within a support structure such as a cagestructure. Single acting or double acting cylinders can be used in anexemplary approach for moving the valve members. Desirably, the valvemoving components are of a durable material, with stainless steel beinga specific example for many of such components.

FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 illustrate an exemplary form of an annular piston 300that can be employed as a valve actuator in the valve assembly 8 ofFIGS. 1 and 2. The construction of the piston 300 can be varied. In oneform, the valve assembly can comprise a double acting hydraulic cylinderwith upper and lower pistons 300′, 300 (FIGS. 10, 11). Since thesepistons can be identical, although this is not required, only lowerpiston 300 will be described in detail. With reference to FIG. 6, theillustrated piston 300 comprises an annular body 302. The body 302defines upper and lower spaced apart wear ring receiving grooves 304,306extending radially inwardly into the body. In addition, a seal receivinggroove 308 is provided intermediate to and spaced from the respectivegrooves 304 and 306. A first wear ring 310 is positioned within groove304 and a second wear ring 312 is positioned within groove 306. A seal,such as an o-ring seal 314, is positioned within the groove 308. Thewear rings 310, 312 can be of ultra high molecular weight polyethyleneor other suitable material, such as of a relatively low friction durablematerial. The outside diameter of each wear ring 310, 312 is slightlygreater than the outside diameter of the body 302 so that, when inposition, the wear rings bear against the wall surface 141 (or surface134 in the case of piston 300 and its wear rings). The o-ring 314 sealsthe space between the piston 300 and the adjoining wall section 141. Theperiphery of piston 300 thus defines an exterior annular piston surfacefor sliding along a portion of wall section 141.

As can best be seen in FIG. 8, the piston body 302 also defines upperand lower inwardly extending interior wear ring receiving grooves thatare spaced apart from one another and an inwardly extending interiorseal receiving groove between the interior wear ring receiving grooves.Respective wear rings 326, 327 are received in the respective interiorwear ring recovery grooves. In addition, at least one seal, such as ano-ring seal 328, is received within the interior seal receiving groove.The o-rings 314, 328 are typically of rubber or other suitable sealingmaterial. The wear rings 326, 327 can be of the same material as wearrings 310, 312. The interior diameter of wear rings 326, 327 is lessthan the interior diameter of piston body 302 so that the wear rings326,327, when the piston is in position, slide along the outer surface143 of conduit section 62 and separate the piston body 302 from the endcap and from the outer surface of conduit 62. The o-ring 328 is sized toseal the gap between end cap wall surface 143 and the piston 300. Othersuitable approaches for sealing a piston relative to an interior pipesection wall surface and end cap projection can also be used. Opposedspaced apart major annular piston surfaces, one surface 331 facing valvemember 170 and the other surface 333 facing hydraulic chamber 137, arethus included in this exemplary piston construction.

In FIG. 8, the piston 300 thus corresponds to the lower piston of thevalve assembly oriented as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. The piston surfacesfacing valve member 170 (e.g. surface 331 for piston 300), are eachcoupled to the valve member 170 by a respective pusher or force applyingstructures, such as a piston to valve engaging structure. In one form(see FIG. 9) plural push rods, which can be of stainless steel or othersuitable material, comprise a form of piston to valve engagingstructure. In this example, six push rods 350, 352, 354, 356, 358, 360are shown. Although these rods can of plural piece construction, in theform shown in FIGS. 9, 10 and 11, the rods project upwardly anddownwardly from the respective rings 220, 222 and extend through therings and valve member. The push rods are also desirably fastened to therings 220, 222, such as by welds (one being numbered as 340 in FIG. 10).The ends of the push rods are desirably fastened, such as by welding, torespective rings or other bearing surface members that engage therespective pistons. As shown in FIG. 9, the lower ends of these pushrods desirably engage and are fastened, such as by welding, to the uppersurface 331 of a ring 225 that engages the upper surface of the piston300. In addition, the upper ends of the push rods desirably engage andare fastened, such as by welding, to the lower surface of a ring 227that engages the lower surface of a piston 300′ (see FIG. 10). FIG. 9thus shows an exemplary push rod to valve subassembly. Although a set ofsix push rods are shown in FIG. 9 in position projecting from each endof valve member 170, the number of push rods can be varied. In theembodiment of FIG. 9, the push rods are spaced equally about thecircumference of a right cylindrical valve member 170. In the case of avalve assembly for use with eight inch well pipe, six or more push rodsis a desirable exemplary number. For a valve assembly for ten inch wellpipe, eight or more push rods is a desirable number. Each of the ends ofthe push rods and associated rings 225, 227 desirably comprisesrespective a-piston bearing surfaces. The surfaces of rings 225, 227each bear against the corresponding adjacent major surface of arespective one of the pistons during operation of the valve assembly.The outer diameters of rings 220, 222, 225, 227 are desirably slightlyless than (e.g. 1/32 of an inch less than) the diameter of the valvemember 170 so that the edges of these rings do not engage the adjacentsidewall of the pipe section. The ring members 220, 222 provide anincreased surface area that bears against the adjacent end of the valvemember 170. Consequently, with this exemplary construction, the valveactuation forces are primarily borne by the push rods rather than beingapplied directly to the valve sleeve. This minimizes the possibility ofthe valve member 170 buckling or being crushed or damaged if, forexample, one of the pistons 300, 300′ were to seize for some unlikelyreason.

For purposes of further illustration, FIG. 13 has been included to showan exploded view of a valve assembly embodiment. The same numbers havebeen used in FIG. 13 for elements in common with those shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 14 illustrates a well 380 comprising a bore hole 386 which has beendrilled, such as from the surface through a first aquifer 388 andthrough (or into) a second aquifer 390. A well casing has been includedin the well and comprises a plurality of pipe segments or sections,including one or more upper pipe sections. Typically a number of suchupper pipe sections are included, with one such upper pipe section 392being shown with its lower end portion connected to the upper endportion of pipe section 10 of valve assembly 8. In addition, the wellcasing includes one or more lower pipe sections, and typically aplurality of such lower pipe sections, with one such lower pipe section394 shown with its upper end connected to the lower end of pipe section10. The lower most portion of the well casing is shown terminating in apipe section with an end 396 spaced above the bottom 398 of the borehole. Note, the distance between the end 396 of the lower well casingand bore hole 398 is compressed in FIG. 14, and is typically of asubstantial length. Conventional packing 400, which is typicallyinflatable after insertion, is shown positioned between the well casingand the bore hole. The packing can be located at any desired locationwithin the bore hole below apertures 18 in this example, and at alocation between aquifers 388, 390, such that liquid is blocked fromflowing or traveling between the casing and bore hole wall between theseaquifers except as may be permitted by the valve assembly or analternative form of the valve assembly.

When valve assembly 8 is shifted to the position shown by an embodimentin FIG. 14, apertures 18 are no longer entirely overlaid by valve member170, and thus valve member 170 is in an open position. Conversely, inthe position shown in FIG. 14, the valve member 190 is in a closedposition and prevents the flow of liquid from one end 201 or 202 of thevalve assembly to the other end 201 or 202 of the valve assembly.Consequently liquid indicated by arrows 402 in FIG. 14 that is beingpumped into the well casing flows downwardly into the valve assembly (asshown by these arrows), outwardly through apertures 18, upwardly betweenthe well casing and bore hole to and into the upper aquifer 388. Withthe valve assembly in this state, and if water is being pumped from thewell, water would flow from aquifer 388 along this flow path to the wellcasing and to the surface.

In FIG. 15, valve member 170 is shown in a closed position overlying theapertures 18. In contrast valve member 190 is in an open position suchthat apertures 44 provide a bypass passageway permitting the flow ofliquid (such as water indicated by arrows 410) through the valveassembly from the exterior of conduit 62, through apertures 44, to theinterior of conduit 62 and to or from the lower casing section where theliquid can be delivered to the lower aquifer 390.

In the embodiment of FIG. 16, the illustrated valve assembly can beshifted to a shut-off position wherein the first valve member 170overlies and closes the apertures 18 and the second valve member or plug190 closes the apertures 44 and the interior passageway through theconduit section 62. As a result, liquid cannot flow to or from apertures18 or through the conduit to or from the lower section of the wellcasing.

FIGS. 17 through 19 illustrate an alternative embodiment of valveassembly 8. FIGS. 17 through 19 correspond to FIGS. 14 through 16. Inthe embodiment of FIGS. 17 through 19, the apertures 44 in conduit 62have been eliminated. In FIG. 17, valve member 170 is shown in an openposition with valve member 190 shown inserted sufficiently into conduitsection 62 to close the conduit section against the flow of liquidtherethrough. In FIG. 18, valve member 170 has been shifted to aposition overlying the apertures 18 to close off the flow of liquidthrough the apertures. In addition, valve member 190 has been shiftedupwardly sufficiently to provide a bypass passageway around the valvemember to the upper end of the conduit 62. The upper end of conduit 62is chamfered at 420 to facilitate the insertion and removal of valvemember 190 into the conduit 62. FIG. 19 illustrates valve member 170 andvalve member 190 that are both positioned in a closed position. As isapparent from FIGS. 14 through 19, with valve member 170 coupled tovalve member 190, in this case connected indirectly to valve member 170by support 180, the valve members 170, 190 are moved together to theirrespective valve positions. In addition, the valve open, closed, andshut-off positions for valve member 170 differ from one another. Also,the valve open, closed, and shut-off positions for the valve member 190also differ from one another.

FIGS. 20 through 23 illustrate an exemplary application of valveassembly 8. Numbers for elements in common with elements shown in FIGS.14-16 have been retained in these figures. In FIG. 20, assume the valveassembly 8 is to be used in an application wherein water is to be drawnfrom one aquifer (e.g. aquifer 388) for use in heating a building orother environmental space. In this example, a pump 450 is shown forpumping water to or from the well casing 452. More than one pump can beused, but one is shown for convenience. First and second liquid storagetanks 454, 455 are shown in this figure, although more such tanks can beused. A valve 456 is shown in a flow path 457 from pump 450 to tank 454.A valve 460 is shown in a flow path 462 from tank 454 to a heatexchanger 464 in a flow path 466 that passes through a valve 468 and aflow path 470 to the tank 455. The tank 455 is coupled by a flow path472 through a valve 474 and to the pump 450. In addition, tank 454 iscoupled via a flow path 480 through a valve 482 and a flow path 484through a heat exchanger 486 to a flow path 490 and through a valve 492to the tank 455. These valves can be remote controlled valves, such assolenoid valves responsive to a control signal to shift between open andclosed positions. Again, this is an exemplary construction as more orfewer heat exchangers and flow paths can be utilized.

Assume that heat is to be extracted from water in aquifer 388. In thisexample, valve assembly 8 is operated to provide a flow path fromaquifer 388, through the bore outside of the well casing to apertures 18of the valve assembly. From there, the water flows through apertures 18and upwardly through the interior of the casing where it is pumped bypump 450 through valve 456, which is now open, and into tank 454. Thewater is then delivered through flow path 462 and now open valve 460 toheat exchanger 464 which extracts heat from the water. Water (now coolerdue to the heat extraction) then passes through flow path 466, throughnow open valve 468, and via flow path 470 and into tank 455. Thus, waterat temperature T1 from aquifer 388 is delivered to tank 454, indicatedat temperature T1′ in tank 454 due to some change in temperature as thewater travels along this partial flow path and is stored in tank 454.Following extraction of heat from the water, the water delivered to tank455 is at T2′ which is at a relatively low temperature compared to thetemperature at T1′ and T1. Tanks 454 and 455 can be sized large enoughto accumulate significant quantities of water. From time to time, suchas periodically or when heating is no longer required, or as otherwisecontrolled, valve assembly 8 can be shifted to the state shown in FIG.21. When in this state or condition, apertures 18 are closed and a flowpath is provided through the valve assembly to the lower aquifer 390.Pump 450 can deliver water from tank 455 through a now open valve 474and flow path 472 (valve 456 being closed) back to the interior of thewell casing. The water then flows downwardly through the well and valveassembly 8 to the aquifer 390. This relatively cold water at temperatureT2 is thus being stored in the second aquifer.

With reference to FIG. 22, assume that water from the well is to be usedfor cooling purposes. In this case, valve assembly 8 can be shifted to acondition wherein apertures 18 are closed and the flow path through thevalve assembly is open. As a result, pump 450 can draw water ofrelatively cold temperature T2 from aquifer 390 to the surface. Thisassumes that tank 455 is still the relatively low temperature tank andthat tank 454 is the relatively high temperature tank. In this case,water can pass from pump 450, through now open valve 474 (with valve 456being closed), and through flow path 472 to the tank 455. From tank 455,water can be drawn through now open valve 492 and flow path 490 to heatexchanger 486 wherein the relatively cool water is used to extract heatfrom the room or other environment to be cooled. The water warmed bythis cooling process is then delivered via flow path 484 through nowopen valve 482 to the tank 454. Again, the temperature of the water intank 454 is relatively high compared to the temperature of water in tank452 as heat has been added to the water by heat exchanger 486 during thecooling of the environmental space. When operated in this manner, valve456, 460 and 468 of the illustrated system are typically closed.Alternatively, the pump 450 can direct water in the same direction asshown in FIG. 20 with valve 482 being open to provide access to heatexchanger 486, although this is less desirable.

With reference to FIG. 23, from time to time, periodically, or underother control, such as manual control, the water warmed during coolingof the environmental space can be returned from tank 454 to the well. Inthis example, because energy from warm water is desirably stored inaquifer 388 for subsequent use in heating the environmental space, valveassembly 8 can be operated as shown in FIG. 23 to provide a flow paththrough apertures 18, with the flow path through the valve assembly toaquifer 390 being blocked. Thus, under these conditions, water flowsfrom tank 454 through flow path 457 and now open valve 456 (valve 474being closed) and into the well casing. Water flows downwardly into thevalve assembly 8, through apertures 18, and along the exterior of thewell casing to the aquifer 388 where the now warmed water is stored forsubsequent use in a heating application.

Whether the temperature of water will actually change in an aquiferdepends in part on the volume of usage therefrom and storage therein.Regardless, relatively high temperature water can be taken from oneaquifer and returned to a different aquifer. In addition, relative lowtemperature water can be taken from another aquifer and returned to adifferent aquifer. In addition, it is possible to take and return theliquid to the same aquifer and to select the aquifer to be used fromplural aquifers.

In view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of thedisclosed invention may be applied, it should be recognized that theillustrated embodiments are only desirable examples of the invention andshould not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention. Rather, thescope of the invention is defined by the following claims. I thereforeclaim as my invention all modifications that fall within the scope andspirit of these claims.

I claim:
 1. An aquifer flow control method comprising: placing a valveassembly in a section of well pipe positioned in a well bore, the wellbore passing through a first aquifer and at least to a second aquiferand the well pipe extending at least below the first aquifer; blockingthe flow of liquid between the well pipe and well bore at a location ofthe well bore between the first and second aquifers; permitting liquidflow through at least one aperture from the interior of the valveassembly to the first aquifer or through the at least one aperture fromthe first aquifer to the interior of the valve assembly with the flow ofliquid to the second aquifer being blocked; and permitting liquid flowthrough the valve assembly to the second aquifer or from the secondaquifer through the valve assembly with the at least one aperture beingblocked so that liquid flowing through the valve assembly does not flowthrough the at least one aperture to or from the first aquifer.
 2. Amethod according to claim 1 comprising: permitting the flow ofrelatively high temperature liquid to and from one of the first andsecond aquifers and permitting the flow of relatively low temperatureliquid to and from the other of the first and second aquifers, wherebythe relatively high temperature liquid can be used for heat generationpurposes when delivered from the one of the first and second aquifersand for storing heat when delivered to said one of the first and secondaquifers, and whereby the relatively low temperature liquid can be usedfor cooling purposes when delivered from the other of the first andsecond aquifers and can be used for storing relatively low temperatureliquid when delivered to the other of the first and second aquifers. 3.A method according to claim 1 further comprising the act of selectivelyblocking the flow of liquid through the valve assembly and through thefirst aperture.
 4. A valve assembly system for use in aquifer liquidflow control, the valve assembly being installed in a well bore holeaccessing first and second aquifers, comprising: a pipe sectioncomprising a wall with an interior surface and an exterior surface and aliquid flow passageway through the pipe section; at least one apertureextending through the wall and communicating between a first portion ofthe liquid flow passageway and the exterior of the pipe section; atleast one bypass passageway communicating from the first portion of theliquid flow passageway to a second portion of the liquid flowpassageway; a first valve positioned within the interior of the pipesection and selectively movable from a first valve closed position inwhich the first valve overlies and blocks liquid flow through the atleast one aperture to a first valve open position in which the firstvalve no longer overlies the at least one aperture at least in part suchthat liquid can flow through the at least one aperture to or from atleast one aquifer when the valve assembly is installed in a well casing,wherein the first valve has flexibility such that when the first valveis in the first valve closed position and the valve assembly isinstalled in a well casing, a head of water pressure within the pipesection can urge the valve outwardly against the overlaid at least oneaperture; a second valve positioned within the interior of the pipesection and selectively movable from a second valve open position to asecond valve closed position, wherein in the second valve open positionthe second valve is positioned to at least partially open the bypasspassageway such that liquid can flow through the pipe section throughthe first portion of the liquid flow passageway, through the bypasspassageway and through the second portion of the liquid flow passageway,and wherein in the second valve closed position the second valve closesthe second portion of the liquid flow passageway to thereby block liquidflow through the liquid flow passageway; a valve actuator coupled to thefirst valve and operable to selectively move the first valve between thefirst valve closed position and first valve open position, the valveactuator also being coupled to the second valve and operable toselectively move the second valve between the second valve open positionand the second valve closed position, the second valve being selectivelymovable to the second valve open position at least during a portion ofthe time that the first valve is in the first valve closed position suchthat liquid can flow through the first portion of the liquid flowpassageway, the bypass passageway and the second portion of the liquidflow passageway to or from at least one aquifer when the valve assemblyis installed in a well casing without flowing through the at least onefirst aperture; and the valve actuator being operable to selectivelymove the second valve to the second valve closed position during atleast a portion of the time the first valve is in the first valve openposition such that when the valve assembly is installed in a well casingthe second valve blocks liquid flow through the second portion of theliquid passageway to or from an aquifer and liquid is allowed to flowthrough the at least one aperture to or from an aquifer; and well pipeconnected to the valve assembly both above and below the valve assembly,the system bore packing positioned in the bore hole so as tosubstantially isolate the flow of liquid in the bore hole outside of thewell pipe and valve assembly between the first and second aquifers, theat least one aperture communicating through the pipe section and borehole to one of the first and second aquifers with the first valve in thefirst valve open position, the bypass passageway communicating throughthe second portion of the liquid passageway and through the bore hole toanother of the first and second aquifers other than said one of thefirst and second aquifers with the second valve positioned in the secondvalve open position, whereby liquid can be directed to or from either ofthe first and second aquifers.
 5. A valve assembly for use in aquiferliquid flow control comprising: a pipe section comprising a wall with aninterior surface and an exterior surface and a liquid flow passagewaythrough the pipe section; at least one aperture extending through thewall and communicating between a first portion of the liquid flowpassageway and the exterior of the pipe section; at least one bypasspassageway communicating from the first portion of the liquid flowpassageway to a second portion of the liquid flow passageway; a firstvalve positioned within the interior of the pipe section and selectivelymovable from a first valve closed position in which the first valveoverlies and blocks liquid flow through the at least one aperture to afirst valve open position in which the first valve no longer overliesthe at least one aperture at least in part such that liquid can flowthrough the at least one aperture to or from at least one aquifer whenthe valve assembly is installed in a well casing, wherein the firstvalve has flexibility such that when the first valve is in the firstvalve closed position and the valve assembly is installed in a wellcasing, a head of water pressure within the pipe section can urge thevalve outwardly against the overlaid at least one aperture; a secondvalve positioned within the interior of the pipe section and selectivelymovable from a second valve open position to a second valve closedposition, wherein in the second valve open position the second valve ispositioned to at least partially open the bypass passageway such thatliquid can flow through the pipe section through the first portion ofthe liquid flow passageway, through the bypass passageway and throughthe second portion of the liquid flow passageway, and wherein in thesecond valve closed position the second valve closes the second portionof the liquid flow passageway to thereby block liquid flow through theliquid flow passageway; a valve actuator coupled to the first valve andoperable to selectively move the first valve between the first valveclosed position and first valve open position, the valve actuator alsobeing coupled to the second valve and operable to selectively move thesecond valve between the second valve open position and the second valveclosed position, the second valve being selectively movable to thesecond valve open position at least during a portion of the time thatthe first valve is in the first valve closed position such that liquidcan flow through the first portion of the liquid flow passageway, thebypass passageway and the second portion of the liquid flow passagewayto or from at least one aquifer when the valve assembly is installed ina well casing without flowing through the at least one first aperture;and the valve actuator being operable to selectively move the secondvalve to the second valve closed position during at least a portion ofthe time the first valve is in the first valve open position such thatwhen the valve assembly is installed in a well casing the second valveblocks liquid flow through the second portion of the liquid passagewayto or from an aquifer and liquid is allowed to flow through the at leastone aperture to or from an aquifer.
 6. A valve assembly according toclaim 5 wherein the first valve is selectively movable to a first valveshut off position in which the first valve overlies and blocks the flowof liquid through the at least one aperture, wherein the second valve isselectively movable to a second valve shut off position in which thesecond valve closes the bypass passageway and blocks the flow of liquidflow through the second portion of the liquid passageway, the valveactuator being operable to move the second valve to the second valveshut off position during at least a portion of the time the first valveis in the first valve shut off position such that when the valve isinstalled in a well casing the second valve blocks liquid flow throughthe bypass passageway and through the second portion of the liquid flowpassageway to an aquifer and the first valve blocks the flow of liquidthrough the at least one aperture to an aquifer.
 7. A valve assemblyaccording to claim 6 wherein the first valve closed position and thefirst valve shut off position are at different first valve positions inthe pipe section from one another, and wherein the second valve closedposition and the second valve shut off position are at differentpositions from one another in the pipe section.
 8. A valve assemblyaccording to claim 5 wherein the second valve is coupled to the firstvalve for movement with the movement of the first valve and the valveactuator comprises a common actuator for moving both the first andsecond valves simultaneously.
 9. A valve assembly according to claim 5wherein the first valve comprises an annular valve body comprising apolymer material with a valve exterior surface and a valve interiorsurface, the valve body allowing liquid to flow through the valve bodyand through the first portion of the liquid flow passageway, the firstvalve being movable between the first valve closed position in which thevalve exterior surface of the valve body overlies a portion of theinterior surface of the wall and entirely overlies the at least oneaperture and the first valve open position in which the valve exteriorsurface of the valve body no longer entirely overlies the at least oneaperture, and wherein the second valve comprises a plug.
 10. A valveassembly according to claim 9 comprising a conduit section coupled tothe first pipe section and comprising a first conduit end portion and asecond conduit end portion with at least a portion of the second portionof the liquid flow passageway communicating between the first and secondconduit end portions, the conduit section also comprising a conduit wallwith an interior surface and an exterior surface, the bypass passagewaycomprising at least one conduit bypass aperture through the conduit walland communicating between the first portion of the liquid passageway andthe second portion of the liquid passageway, the plug being selectivelymovable from the second valve open position wherein the plug blocks thefirst conduit end portion while permitting the flow of liquid throughthe first portion of the liquid passageway, the at least one conduitbypass aperture and the second portion of the liquid passageway andthereby through the pipe section at least during a portion of the timethat the first valve is in the first valve closed position to entirelyblock the at least one aperture, the plug being movable to the secondvalve closed position wherein the plug is positioned to block liquidflow through the second portion of the liquid passageway and to blockthe flow of liquid through the conduit bypass aperture at least during aportion of the time that the first valve is in the first valve openposition such that liquid can flow through the at least one aperturebetween the interior and exterior of the pipe section.
 11. A valveassembly according to claim 10 wherein the first valve is selectivelymovable to a first valve shut off position in which the exterior surfaceof the valve body overlies a portion of the interior surface of the walland entirely overlies the at least one aperture to block the flow ofliquid through the at least one aperture, wherein the plug isselectively movable to a second valve shut off position in which theplug blocks the flow of liquid through the second portion of the liquidflow passageway at least during a portion of the time that the firstvalve is in the first valve shut off position to thereby prevent theflow of liquid both through the liquid flow passageway and through theat least one aperture.
 12. A valve assembly according to claim 9comprising a conduit section coupled to the first pipe section andcomprising a first conduit end portion and a second conduit end portionwith at least a portion of the second portion of the liquid flowpassageway communicating between the first and second conduit endportions, the conduit section also comprising a conduit wall with aninterior surface and an exterior surface, the bypass passagewaycomprising a liquid flow path past the plug and into the first conduitend portion at least when the plug is positioned outside of the conduitsection, the plug being selectively movable to the second valve openposition wherein the plug is positioned exteriorly of the conduitsection such that liquid can flow past the plug and into the first endportion of the conduit section at least during a portion of the timethat the first valve is in the first valve closed position and entirelyblocks the at least one aperture, the plug being movable to the secondvalve closed position wherein the plug is inserted at least partiallyinto the first end portion of the conduit section to block liquid flowthrough the bypass passageway and through the conduit section andthereby through the second liquid passageway at least during a portionof the time that the first valve is in the first valve open position andno longer entirely overlays the at least one aperture such that liquidcan flow through the at least one aperture between the interior andexterior of the pipe section.
 13. A valve assembly according to claim 12wherein the first valve is selectively movable to a first valve shut offposition in which the exterior surface of the valve body overlies aportion of the interior surface of the wall and entirely overlies the atleast one aperture to block the flow of liquid through the at least oneaperture, wherein the plug is selectively movable to a second valve shutoff position in which the plug is inserted into the first end portion ofthe conduit section so as to block the flow of liquid through the bypasspassageway and through the second portion of the liquid flow passagewayat least during a portion of the time that the first valve is in thefirst valve third position, whereby the flow of liquid is blockedthrough both through the liquid flow passageway and through the at leastone aperture.
 14. A valve assembly according to claim 5 comprising avalve actuator coupled to the first valve and operable to move the firstvalve between the first valve closed position and first valve openposition, the valve actuator comprising first and second hydraulicpistons coupled to the first valve, a first hydraulic liquid chamberassociated with the first piston and a second hydraulic liquid chamberassociated with the second piston, one of the first and second pistonsbeing movable in a direction to urge the first valve toward said firstvalve closed position upon delivery of hydraulic liquid to the hydraulicliquid chamber associated with said one of the first and second pistons,the other of the first and second pistons being movable in a directionto urge the first valve toward the first valve open position upondelivery of hydraulic liquid to the hydraulic liquid chamber associatedwith the said other of the first and second pistons, and wherein thesecond valve is coupled to the first valve such that the valve actuatormoves the second valve to the second valve open position with themovement of the first valve to the first valve closed position and suchthat the valve actuator moves the second valve to the second valveclosed position with the movement of the first valve to the first valveopen position.
 15. A valve assembly according to claim 12 wherein thesecond valve comprises a plug and further comprising at least one secondvalve support coupled to the second valve and to the first valve tothereby couple the first and second valves together.
 16. A valveassembly according to claim 5 comprising: a valve support connecting thesecond valve to the first valve such that the second valve moves withthe movement of the first valve; wherein the first valve comprises anannular valve body with a valve exterior surface and a valve interiorsurface, the valve body allowing liquid to flow through the interior ofthe valve body, the first valve being movable between the first valveclosed position in which the exterior surface of the valve body overliesa portion of the interior surface of the wall and entirely overlies theat least one aperture and the first valve open position wherein theexterior surface of the valve body no longer entirely overlies the atleast one aperture, and wherein the first valve comprises a materialwith flexibility such that when the first valve is in the first valveclosed position and a head of water pressure is within the pipe section,the head of water can force the valve body outwardly against theoverlaid at least one aperture; wherein the second valve comprises aplug; a conduit section coupled to the first pipe section and comprisinga first conduit end portion and a second conduit end portion with atleast a portion of the second portion of the liquid flow passagewaycommunicating between the first and second conduit end portions, theconduit section also comprising a conduit wall with an interior surfaceand an exterior surface, the bypass passageway comprising at least onebypass liquid flow opening communicating from a location exteriorly ofthe conduit section to the interior of the conduit section, the plugbeing selectively movable to the second valve open position wherein theplug does not entirely block the at least one bypass liquid flow openingso that liquid can flow through the at least one liquid bypass opening,the plug being moved to the second valve open position with the movementof the first valve to the first valve closed position, the plug beingmovable to the second valve closed position wherein the plug blocksliquid flow through the second portion of the liquid flow passageway andthrough the at least one bypass opening with the movement of the firstvalve to the first valve open position, such that liquid can flowthrough the at least one aperture between the interior and exterior ofthe pipe section while the flow of liquid is blocked through the secondportion of the fluid flow passageway; wherein the first valve isselectively movable to a first valve shut off position in which theexterior surface of the valve body overlies a portion of the interiorsurface of the wall and entirely overlies the at least one aperture toblock the flow of liquid through the at least one aperture, wherein theplug selectively movable to a second valve shut off position with themovement of the first valve to the first valve shut off position, theplug in the shut off position being inserted into the first end portionof the conduit section to a position that blocks the flow of liquidthrough both the bypass opening and the second portion of the liquidflow passageway, whereby when the first valve and plug are in theirrespective shut off positions the flow of liquid through both the atleast one first aperture and the liquid flow passageway is blocked; andthe valve actuator also being operable to move the first valve and plugto their respective shut off positions, the valve actuator comprisingfirst and second hydraulic pistons coupled to the first valve, a firsthydraulic liquid chamber associated with the first piston and a secondhydraulic liquid chamber associated with the second piston, one of thefirst and second pistons being movable in a direction to urge the firstvalve to said first valve closed position and to said first valve shutoff position upon delivery of hydraulic liquid to the hydraulic liquidchamber associated with said one of the first and second pistons, theother of the first and second pistons being movable in a direction tourge the first valve toward the first valve open position upon deliveryof hydraulic liquid to the hydraulic liquid chamber associated with thesaid other of the first and second pistons, wherein the valve actuatormoves the plug to the second valve open position with the movement ofthe first valve to the first valve closed position, wherein the valveactuator moves the plug to the second valve closed position with themovement of the first valve to the first valve open position, andwherein the valve actuator moves the second valve to the second valveshut off position with the movement of the first valve to the firstvalve shut off position.
 17. A valve assembly according to claim 16further comprising a plurality of pushrods coupled to the first ring andextending from the first ring toward the first piston, the push rodsalso being coupled to the second ring and extending from the second ringtoward the second piston.
 18. A valve assembly according to claim 5wherein the first valve comprises a hollow right cylindrical valvehaving an interior wall with an inner wall diameter and first and secondend portions, a first ring adjacent to the first end portion and asecond ring adjacent to the second end portion, the first ring having aninner ring diameter that is less than the inner wall diameter, the firstring being positioned adjacent to the first end portion such that aninterior periphery portion of the first ring extends inwardly of theinterior wall, a support mounted to the interior periphery portion ofthe first ring and extending away from the first ring, through theinterior of the first valve and terminating in a distal end supportportion, the second valve being mounted to the distal end of thesupport.
 19. A valve assembly for use in aquifer liquid flow controlcomprising: a pipe section comprised of a pipe body having a first endand a second end and defining a liquid passageway between the first endand the second end; at least one aperture spaced from the first andsecond ends and communicating from the liquid passageway to an exteriorof the pipe section; a valve movable between at least first and secondpositions, the valve being configured to block said at least oneaperture when the valve is in a first position without blocking liquidcommunication through the liquid passageway between the first and secondends, the valve also being configured to block liquid communicationbetween the first and second ends while at least partially opening saidat least one aperture when the valve is in the second position; whereinthe valve comprises a hollow flexible first valve portion movable to afirst valve portion closed position overlaying and closing the at leastone aperture when the valve is in the first position, the valve furthercomprising a second plug portion movable with the first valve portion toa plug open position allowing liquid communication between the first andsecond ends of the pipe section when the first valve portion is in thefirst valve closed position, the first valve portion being movable to afirst valve portion open position wherein the first valve portion atleast partially opens the at least one first aperture, the second plugportion being movable with the first valve portion to a plug closedposition to block liquid communication between the first and second endswhen the first valve portion is in the first valve open position,whereby when the valve assembly is placed in a well liquid flow to orfrom at least one aquifer is controlled through the at least oneaperture and through the liquid flow passageway between the first andsecond ends of the pipe section.
 20. A valve assembly according to claim19 wherein the valve is movable to a third shut off position, the valvebeing configured to block liquid communication between the first andsecond ends of the pipe section and though the at least one aperturewhen the valve is in the third shut off position.
 21. A valve assemblyfor use in aquifer liquid flow control comprising: a hollow housingcomprising a body with a housing wall and defining a liquid flowpassageway through the housing, at least one aperture being providedthough the housing wall between an interior and exterior of the housingand communicating between a first portion of the liquid flow passagewayand the exterior of the housing; a projection within the housing thatdefines a second portion of the liquid flow passageway that communicateswith the first portion of the liquid flow passageway such that liquidcan flow through the first and second portions of the liquid flowpassageway and through the housing; at least one pathway communicatingthrough the second projection and between the first and second liquidflow passageway portions; and a valve comprising an annular first valvemember positioned within the first portion of the liquid flow passagewayand slidable along the housing wall between a first valve member closedposition in which the first valve member overlies and blocks the atleast one aperture and a first valve member open position in which thefirst valve member no longer blocks the at least one aperture, the valvefurther comprising a second valve member coupled to and movable with themovement of the first valve member, the second valve member beingmovable to a second valve member open position with the movement of thefirst valve member to the first valve member closed position and movableto a second valve member closed position with the movement of the firstvalve member to the first valve member open position, wherein when thesecond valve member is in the second valve member open position thesecond valve member does not block the flow of liquid through the secondportion of the first flow passageway such that liquid can flow throughthe first portion of the liquid flow passageway, the first valve memberand through the second flow passageway while the at least one firstaperture is blocked by the first valve member, and wherein when thesecond valve member is in the second valve member closed position theflow of liquid through the second portion of the liquid passageway isblocked by the second valve member and the at least one first apertureno longer blocked by the first valve member, whereby when the valveassembly is installed in a well with the first valve member in the firstvalve member closed position, liquid can flow through the housing to anaquifer without flowing through the at least one aperture, and with thefirst valve member in the first valve member open position, liquid canflow through the at least one aperture to an aquifer without flowingthrough the second portion of the liquid flow passageway and through thehousing.
 22. A valve assembly for use in aquifer liquid flow controlcomprising: housing means for defining a liquid passageway for thepassage of liquid there through and for defining at least one aperturefor communicating from the liquid passageway to the exterior of thehousing means; valve means for selectively blocking the flow of liquidto an aquifer through the at least one aperture while permitting theflow of liquid through the liquid passageway to an aquifer and forselectively blocking the flow of liquid through the liquid passageway toan aquifer while allowing the flow of liquid through the at least oneaperture to an aquifer.